Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Having a "ball" with tea


I don't know about you, but I go through periods of preparing tea one way, then another. For weeks I'll make loose leaf tea in a teapot and strain the leaves. Then I'm all about preparing my own teabags and enjoying the convenience of tossing them when I'm through. Then, I get a pretty new infuser and I'm inspired to use it and only it for a while. Such is the case with my pretty new Martha Stewart Tea Ball Infuser, a former Macy's item now awaiting at your (or at least "my") local T.J. Maxx for $3.99.

There's that "eau de nil" color again, that pretty blue-green shade that makes me think of the ocean, Tiffany, and Fortnum and Mason. It's what caught my eye, but upon inspection, I was impressed that Martha's infusers actually have her name engraved on the charm attached to them. I wonder if, a hundred years from now, women will be remembering Martha like we remember Isabella Beeton as a superstar homemaker of yesteryear.

At any rate, I am simply enjoying having, and using, a new tea infuser. I once heard tea described as a great example of "slow food," and I agree. I am such a great fan of the calming influence of the tea ritual. Stop. Slow down. Take a deep breath. Wait on the kettle to boil. Then, enjoy the sights/sounds/scents of the gurgling hot water being poured into the teacup where it brings the tea leaves to life. Take a slow sip. Ahh. One of my favorite Bible verses has long been "Be still and know that I am God," and the simple act of slowly preparing a cup of tea reminds me to do just that!

6 comments:

  1. Thank you for reminding us to slow down- needed right now

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  2. That is a nice infuser - simple and classic, typical Martha Stewart. I have held on to some of her early mags and books, have you?

    You are so right about tea being "slow food" and for me a real stress buster.

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  3. I am usually a fan of "all things Martha," but I draw the line with advertising for others. I like the tea infuser, but I hate the stamped-on logo. Even so, it will probably be a collectors item, along with so many of her ingenious products.

    As for the "slow food" comment, you are right. Tea is one thing that should be savored. The tea is healthy and the stress relieving benefits are, too.

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  4. Like you, I find that slowing down and making time to brew some tea is a great way to "be still and know that I am God."

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  5. Oops...Let me rephrase that! It's a great way to "be still and know that HE is God!"

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  6. I can totally relate with your habits. I too change the methods I prepare tea too! ha ha This was fun to read, hope your having a great summer!

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